Tourist Sparks Measles Outbreak Alert in Inner Sydney

NSW Health has issued a measles warning after a tourist returning from Vietnam– a country currently facing an active outbreak–was confirmed to have contracted the infectious disease.

The European tourist visited several locations in Inner Sydney from 11-16 December, sparking serious concerns of potential exposure in the community.

Public Health Official urges citizens to watch out for measles symptoms

Local Health District Clinical Director of Public Health, Dr. Leena Gupta, has advised individuals who may have visited the locations listed below to monitor themselves for any signs of infection including symptoms of cough, fever and sore eyes.

Measles typically looks like a rash starting from the face or head, spreading across the body within three or four days following an onset of previously mentioned symptoms.

According to Dr. Gupta, it can take 18 days for symptoms to show after exposure. “Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead to their GP or emergency department and say that they may have measles to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients,” she adds.

Dr. Gupta also urges all communities to keep up to date with any necessary vaccinations to protect from measles and any other infectious diseases, especially if you are travelling overseas.

“The measles vaccine can also prevent the disease even after exposure, if given early enough,” she explained. “Especially as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world and Australia has recently detected several travel-related measles cases,” she added.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is free for 12 and 18-month olds along with those in NSW born after 1965, who require and haven’t received two doses.

Although there is no continued risk at these locations, NSW Health urges anyone who travelled to or visited the following locations especially to watch out for any sign of symptoms until 3 January 2025

For more information, visit NSW Health or contact your local health authorities.

Stay vigilant of measles symptoms especially if you visited the following on the corresponding dates –

Wednesday, 11 December:

Flight JQ62 from Ho Chi Minh City landing in Sydney at 11:45AM

Sydney Airport International Terminal from 11:45AM to 2:00PM

Bus Route 420 from Airport Terminal to Arncliffe Fire Station from 1:30PM to 2:30PM

Bus Route 422 from Arncliffe Fire Station to Parramatta Road/Victoria Park from 1:30PM to 2:30PM

Light Rail L1/L2 from Haymarket to Circular Quay station from 6:30PM to 7:30PM

Laneway Cinema at The Rocks from 7:00PM to 9:45PM

Light Rail L2/3 from Circular Quay station to Haymarket from 9:15PM to 10:15PM

7-Eleven Haymarket (Capital Square, George Street) from 9:30PM to 10:15PM

Bus Route 431 from Haymarket to Glebe Point Road from 9:45PM to 10:45PM

Thursday, 12 December:

330 Wattle St, Ultimo NSW on Thursday, 12 December from 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Bus Route 370 from Glebe Point Road to King Street, Newtown from 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Bus Route 352 from King Street, Newtown to Redfern from 3:30PM to 4:30PM

Harris Farm Redfern on Thursday, 12 December from 4:00PM to 4:45PM

Bus Route 352 from Redfern to King Street from 4:15PM to 5:15PM

Bus Route 370 from King Street, Newtown to Glebe Point Road from 4:15PM to 5:15PM

Sunday, 15 December:

Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre, 30-38 Short Street, Leichhardt from 4:30PM to 6:30PM

Monday, 16 December:

Leichhardt Medical and Dental Centre, 30-38 Short Street, Leichhardt from 7:30AM to 9:30AM